UNOSOM II mandate renewed, humanitarian aspect stressed.

• Position: United Nations Operation in Somalia

The mandate of the United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM II) was renewed by the Security Council until 30 September, subject to a review no later than 29 July, after which the Council might consider other options regarding its mandate and future operations.

By unanimously adopting resolution 923 (1994) on 31 may, the Council decided that the review should be based on the Secretary-General's report on the humanitarian mission carried out by UNOSOM II and on the political and security situation in Somalia and progress made in achieving national reconciliation.

"The Somali people deserve a chance", the Secretary-General said in a 24 May report (S/1994/614) to the Council. He recommended the mandate extension despite the negative assessment of the political and security situation in Somalia. What was required from the Somali people, he pointed out, was evidence of serious and productive pursuit of the reconciliation process, strict observance of the cease-fire and cooperation with UNOSOM in preventing the recurrence of clashes and resolving local clan and factional conflicts.

The Secretary-General stated that the mandate renewal would signify Member States' determination to fulfil the UN vision of assisting Somalia towards political reconciliation, national reconstruction and peace.

In resolution 923, the Council also demanded that all parties in Somalia refrain from any acts of intimidation or violence against personnel engaged in humanitarian or peace-keeping work in the country. They were strongly urged to cooperate fully with UNOSOM II, carry out their commitments and implement the agreements they had signed, including those relating to voluntary disarmament, and pursue without delay the negotiations aimed at achieving national reconciliation.

Expressing appreciation to Member States which had provided troops or assistance, the Council underlined the continuing importance of UNOSOM II having the necessary troops, civilian personnel, equipment and financial and logistical support to carry out its mandate effectively.

Appreciation was also expressed to States which had extended humanitarian assistance or supported the Somali justice and police programmes, which should be accelerated, and such contributions were encouraged further on an urgent basis.

The Council also reaffirmed States' obligations to implement fully the embargo on all deliveries of weapons and military equipment t imposed by resolution 733 (1992).

Avoiding the abyss

In...